The Martinsville City School Board approved their fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget following a public hearing on Jan. 25. The approved budget totals approximately $23 million and requests an additional $537,014 in local funds.
With enrollment numbers higher than expected, the division is also requesting $477,247 more in state funds.
According to Schools Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley Jr., the additional funds would go to cover requests at both the school level and the division level to address capital needs and instructional goals mandated by the state.
The final requests listed in the budget are a two percent raise for all employees ($298,898), a step increase ($64,304), hiring two special education teachers ($132,752), hiring an additional licensed teacher ($66,376), cover eRate ($35,100), hire two counselors ($132,752), hire a nurse ($49,458), and other salary/benefit adjustments ($75,053). In total, the final requests amount to $854,693.
Capital items deemed necessary are a roof repair ($51,150), handicap elevator repair ($35,746), and chiller replacement ($184,366) at Albert Harris Elementary School; pipe rehabilitation and lot repair ($51,040) and culvert repair ($51,040) at Druid Hills; and bus replacements ($160,000).
The division currently projects that total enrollment for next year will be 1,905 students, including K-12, preschool and adult education.
While the approved budget accounts for a decrease in state sales tax by $71,662 and a decrease in state grants of $27,170, Talley said the latest figures on sales tax indicates larger returns than originally forecast.
